Jinbo Party Leader Demands Jo Guk Withdraw Pyeongtaek Candidacy
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Jinbo Party leader Kim Jae-yeon criticized Jo Guk's decision to run in Pyeongtaek B, calling it lacking in principle and demanding he withdraw.
- Kim argued that Pyeongtaek B is not a 'difficult constituency' as claimed by Jo, citing favorable poll numbers for a unified progressive candidate.
- Jo Guk had stated his intention to run in Pyeongtaek B as part of efforts to promote political reform and progressive party unity.
Kim Jae-yeon, the leader of the Jinbo Party, has strongly opposed Jo Guk's decision to run for the Pyeongtaek B constituency, labeling it as a move devoid of principle and demanding its retraction. Kim expressed her dismay, questioning why Jo, after considerable deliberation, chose a district where her own party is heavily invested and campaigning.
Kim challenged Jo's justification of running in a 'difficult constituency,' pointing to recent polls that indicate a significant lead for a unified progressive candidate over conservative opponents in Pyeongtaek B. She highlighted the dedicated efforts of Jinbo Party members who have been working tirelessly in the area, emphasizing the district's significance due to historical events like the 'Daechu-ri tears' and the 'Ssangyong Motor pain.'
Kim further argued that Jo's intention to compete, even if against multiple candidates, would inadvertently make Pyeongtaek B a more challenging district, calling it a "poor move" that cannot be easily justified. She believes that regardless of how it is framed, the decision appears weak and ill-considered.
In contrast, Jo Guk had previously stated that his pursuit of political reform and cooperation with the Democratic Party, even in Pyeongtaek, should not preclude his candidacy. He asserted that his efforts in promoting political reform among progressive parties, including collaboration with the Democratic Party, were substantial and that his decision to run in Pyeongtaek B was not a contradiction to these efforts.